Greenhouse Heating 



fireman is not in constant attendance, as heavy, thick fires may be carried, 

 which endure for a long period without attention. Thick fires cannot be 

 considered economical, as they exist by slow combustion, which allows much 

 of the gases contained in the coal to escape without being burned. Quick 

 combustion is productive of the greatest economy. Anthracite, when 

 burned, produces very little smoke, for which reason it is superior to bitu- 

 minous coals for the florist's use. 



Coke 



When it can be procured at reasonable prices, coke may be ranked 

 with anthracite ; but it is not largely used in greenhouse heating, prob- 

 ably on account of its cost. 



Crude Petroleum, or Fuel Oil 



At frequent intervals the announcement is made in the public press 

 that fuel oil is about to displace coal for boiler-heating purposes ; but for 

 some reason the claim is never made good, and coal remains practically in 

 possession of the field. Some nine years ago I made an exhaustive test 

 of burning fuel oil, comparing the results obtained with those secured by 

 using coal, in the same boilers. The result in economy was so overwhelm- 

 ingly in favor of coal that I abandoned the use of the oil at once; and I 

 make bold to declare it as my opinion that but little economy will be found in 

 burning fuel oil for greenhouse heating whenever coal may be procured 

 at a cost not exceeding six dollars per ton. 



In conclusion, I would again advise every florist to consult a practical 

 engineer when installing his heating apparatus. 



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